There's a Leopard Seal on Petone Beach

Police have set up a barrier on Petone Beach this morning after a Leopard Seal was spotted by the water. It's currently on the beach near the Settlers Museum.

DOC are currently monitoring the seal.

“They are the only seals known to regularly hunt and kill warm-blooded prey, including other seals. Although rare, there are a few records of adult leopard seals attacking humans. There has also been one fatality, when a researcher was snorkelling in Antarctic waters and was killed by a leopard seal.”

Leopard seals are protected under the Wildlife Act 1953 and the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978.

Follow these simple guidelines when watching seals for your safety and that of the animals: